(Townsend, DE 19734) The New Castle County Division of Police is attempting to identify the subject in the attached surveillance images in reference to a trespassing incident that occurred on March 19, 2023, in the Southerness community – Townsend.

If you have any information related to this investigation or can identify this subject or vehicle, please contact S/Cpl. Shotwell at (302)395-8172 or Kelly.Bowen@newcastlede.gov or by calling the New Castle County Police non-emergency number at (302)573-2800. Citizens can also submit a tip via our website at http://www.nccpd.com. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or visit us on Facebook at New Castle County Police Department.

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(Wilmington, Del.-19808) On Wednesday (3/29), at approximately 12:50 a.m., a New Castle County Police Officer was traveling westbound on Kirkwood Highway when they were struck head-on by a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta.

Investigators from the Division of Police, Traffic Services Unit, responded to the scene to assume the investigation. A witness reported observing the Jetta travel eastbound on Kirkwood Highway and approach the intersection of Limestone Road.  The operator of the Jetta later identified as Herbert Arreola, a 25-year-old Pennsylvania man, swerved in an attempt to avoid striking a vehicle, continued traveling on Kirkwood Highway where he struck the center median.  After striking the center median, the vehicle then went airborne crossing into the westbound lanes of Kirkwood Highway striking the fully marked 2021 Ford Explorer.

Arreola was transported to Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.  The officer was also transported to the hospital and later treated and released for minor injuries.

Kirkwood Highway at Limestone Road was closed during the investigation.  It has since reopened.

The New Castle County Division of Police Traffic Services Unit continues to investigate. Any individual with information related to this incident is asked to please contact Sergeant Wesley Neeman at 302-395-8142 or by e-mail at wesley.neeman@newcastlde.gov or by calling the New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at 302-573-2800.

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(Wilmington, De 19804) On March 6, 2023, members of the New Castle County Division of Police were investigating a drug complaint in the area of Maryland Avenue and East Reamer Avenue. During the course of that investigation, members of the Division’s Mobile Enforcement Team (MET) arranged to meet a male, later identified as Andrew Edelmann, to conduct a drug transaction. While attempting to apprehend the individual involved, a member of the New Castle County Division of Police discharged their firearm, striking Mr. Edelmann; he died from those injuries.  The second occupant of the vehicle, a female, was also struck and suffered a non-life-threatening injury.

Since 2015, members of the Division have been equipped with body-worn cameras to be worn while on patrol within New Castle County. The officers involved in the incident on March 6, 2023, were wearing body-worn cameras. They were activated and captured the encounter between Mr. Edelmann and the members of the Division.

The New Castle County Division of Police is governed by public-facing regulations referred to as “Directives.” According to the Critical Incident Community Briefing Policy (Directive 46, Appendix 46H), the family of the individual involved in the critical incident, in this case, Mr. Edelmann’s family, has an opportunity to view and opine on the release of any video associated with the encounter between their next-of-kin and the members of the Division. After meeting with Mr. Edelmann’s family representatives, the Division has chosen not to release any body-worn camera footage from March 6, 2023. The Division remains committed to transparency and promptly providing the public with information; however, we must balance that commitment with the wishes of the individual’s family. Notwithstanding this decision, protocol dictates that all body-worn camera footage be released by the Department of Justice – Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust at the conclusion of their investigation.

Media inquiries can be directed to Lt. James Leonard at 302-383-5417.

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